The project, commissioned by Tourdulich the brotherhood of Instituto Missionário Pia Sociedade São Paulo, embraces the pre-existing simplicity, natural lighting, and materiality of the former warehouse located on the periphery of Lisbon.

The rejuvenation of the space kept in mind an acknowledge to the past through the illustrative adornments of the colonial priest Bartolomeu de Gusmão as well as the preservation of the raw concrete structure. New additions include modern wooden finished features as well as a fresh color palette applied to focal points such as the altar. Mingling of old and new, the space offers both intimacy as well as flexibility to accommodate new ideas—bearing an importance for both to structure and belief.

“It should be the central area for a house of many homes; a space for prayer and for communication; a place of intimacy as well as assembly” – Site Specific Arquitectura